This post is for all the ladies who have experienced the itch and burn. The itch that is not acceptable to scratch. The all-consuming itch.
More importantly, it is for those who have not had thrush and never want the experience.
All women will benefit from knowing what causes vaginal thrush.
The overgrowth of a yeast called candida is what causes vaginal thrush. Normally, this yeast lives in your vagina with other commensals. Commensals are bacteria and organisms living together harmoniously in a healthy environment.
Vaginal thrush presents with the following signs and symptoms:
- Itching in the vaginal area
- A burning or raw feeling
- A thick white cottage-cheese-like discharge
- Discomfort with sexual intercourse
Candidiasis or vaginal thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). We can ironically pass it to male partners during sex if the infection is significant.
What causes vaginal thrush? The reasons for overgrowth
1. Altered vaginal flora
Anything that kills the normal vaginal bacterial flora and upsets the commensal balance.
Fewer healthy bacteria means less competition for the yeast cells. Candida overgrows and causes vaginal thrush.
Antibiotics ❌
Antibiotics kill off the bacteria that cause unwanted infections. They do not, however, only kill the bad bacteria but the good bugs as well. This includes your vaginal flora. Post-antibiotic vaginal thrush is one of the most common causes in general practice. If you are prone to yeast infections, always use a probiotic when taking antibiotics. This will reduce the risk.
Soap ❌
Soap kills bacteria. That is why we are taught from a young age to wash our hands with soap and water.
Avoid using any soap in the vaginal area at all if you are prone to vaginal thrush. Only rinse with water between and around the vulva.
Ladies often cause a vicious cycle of vaginal thrush; washing more frequently with soaps to try and eliminate the infection. This is the worst possible thing to do. This kills more bacteria, and more candida grows.
Even washes and soaps formulated for gynecological use can sometimes cause problems.
A change of toiletries ❌
Some lucky individuals do not have a problem with their usual soap. The problem comes in when they change their shower gels or soaps. This is common when people travel as they use hotel toiletries.
If you develop vaginal thrush for the first time, ask yourself the question, “Did I change any toiletries recently?”
Hygiene wipes ❌
The same concept in a so-called convenient package. Hygiene wipes are usually bactericidal and promote candida growth.
Bathing ❌
Shower, don’t bath.
Even if you are not washing your privates with soap in a bath, you are still sitting in soapy water.
Photo by Yan Krukau: https://www.pexels.com
Bubble bath ❌
A long soak in a bubble bath might help you forget the day’s problems while causing a new one.
Soaps and fragrances in bubble baths upset the vaginal microbiome balance.
Spa baths and chlorine pools ❌
Swimming pools and spa baths contain chemicals to keep them clean and bacteria-free. They might also keep your vagina bacteria-free and upset the flora balance.
If you are prone to recurrent yeast infections, avoid spa baths and seek out saltwater pools.
Lubrication ❌
This could be
- lubes used during sex or
- the lubricants on condoms.
Buy reputable condom brands like Durex. Avoid anything fancy with flavors, scents, or promises of tingling and warmth, and ‘Massage and Play’ combination gels.
Go back to basics with good old-fashioned plain KY-Jelly.
2. Moisture and heat
Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments.
Think about rising bread dough.
Candida is no different.
Aggravating factors include
- Not changing clothes after a sweaty gym session.
- Obese patients who sweat in skin folds and the groin area.
3. Changes in hormones
Changes in hormone levels may cause changes in the vaginal environment.
Cyclical
Some unfortunate women have a flare of vaginal thrush every month.
Combined oral contraceptive (COC)
Certain COC might trigger vaginal thrush, libido changes, or vaginal dryness. If you have recently started or changed your birth control, this may be the cause.
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com
4. Poor immunity
A normal, strong immune system keeps certain organisms in check. Candida is an opportunistic infection. As soon as the defenses are down, it takes the opportunity to proliferate.
Circumstances that affect immunity:
- Diseases e.g., HIV
- Medication e.g., chemotherapy or drugs for autoimmune conditions
5. Diabetes
Diabetics are prone to yeast infections. Carney et al. showed double the infection rates compared to the general population. Refer to Table 2 in the link.
Recurrent thrush infections should alert doctors to diabetic screening.
Generally, the less controlled the patient, the worse the infection. However, some studies show no obvious reasons for the higher oral colonization rates in diabetic patients. 1
One trigger might be the high urine sugar concentration of diabetic patients. Other theories have something to do with immunity, which might be a cause.
Also read: Control Diabetes Without Medicine – 4 Helpful Hacks
Do diet changes cause vaginal thrush?
No, diet does not influence vaginal thrush.
As you have seen, diabetics are more prone to candida infections. However, eating a high-sugar diet does not increase risk.
Dr. Jen Gunter, an OB/GYN, explains this in this TED talk.
Summary for recurrent vaginal thrush sufferers
- Ask your doctor to check you for diabetes.
- Take probiotics with antibiotics.
- Shower, don’t bath.
- Only use water to cleanse the vaginal area.
- Avoid scented soaps, gels, and lubricants.
- Do not change your toiletries.
- Do not wash more frequently if you start to itch or have a discharge.
- Review your current daily medication.
References
- Belazi, M., Velegraki, A., Fleva, A., Gidarakou, I., Papanaum, L., Baka, D., Daniilidou, N., & Karamitsos, D. (2005). Candidal overgrowth in diabetic patients: potential predisposing factors. Mycoses, 48(3), 192–196. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0507.2005.01124.x
